Comment: God’s answer to Job can be confusing, leaving hearers of the Word to wonder why God might respond to Job in this way. In his commentary on this passage, Professor John C. Holbert writes: “God’s revelation to Job and to us is that the universe is far bigger, far stranger, and far more mysterious than we can imagine. A longer look at the ostrich and the sea and the eagle would help us to begin to see that.” (http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=330) When we follow the line in Ljungkvist’s story, we get a glimpse of God’s big, mysterious universe. Through this story and text we are invited us to take a longer look and consider our connection to God’s creation.

Comment: Professor Bryan J. Whitfield suggests “the prayers of Jesus illustrate the depth of his identification with [humanity].” (http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=423) When we speak prayers of supplication, some part of us connects with the hurts and needs of others. Beautiful Moon is a lovely example of this kind of prayer from the perspective of a child, illustrating particular people in need, even as he prayers more generally. Through the guidance of this text and story, help the children of your church identify people in need and speak prayers of supplication for those in your community and around the world.

Comment: “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” James and John speak these words out of a desire for greatness and it angers their other friends. Wishing to be the best is not an old concept relegated to gospel stories, but a continued struggle for human beings of all ages. Dog struggles with a desire to be the best in Cousins’s story and much like the account in today’s gospel reading, her friends become angry. Wonder together with the people of your congregation about their own experiences of wishing to be the best.

The Lectionary Links this week are written by regular contributor Noell Rathbun-Cook.